At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we regularly perform root canal endodontic treatment to remove infection and save teeth. Root canals are a common procedure, and we will ensure you remain completely comfortable during treatment.
If you live in the Coral Gables area and are currently experiencing tooth pain, we invite you to call (305) 614-2438 to schedule an appointment and see if you may need a root canal endodontic treatment.
When a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread into the center of the tooth. This area is called the dental pulp. Inside the dental pulp are the sensitive nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. An oral infection that reaches the pulp of a tooth can be incredibly painful and requires immediate treatment. Root canal is the treatment we will recommend to remove the infection, relieve the pain, and save the tooth from extraction.
A root canal endodontic procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so we can clean out the infection. We remove the pulp and often the roots as well to prevent the infection from spreading further. After we clean out all the infected tissue and material, we will seal up the tooth to stabilize it and keep it from becoming reinfected. We will then use a tooth-colored filling or crown to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. This means that, regardless of where your infected tooth is located, it will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth after treatment.
If you are experiencing mouth or tooth pain, schedule an appointment at Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FL to discuss the health of your teeth and locate the source of the pain. If it appears that a root canal is the best option, we will give you all the information you need to make an informed treatment decision. Overall, root canal endodontic treatment is extremely effective for saving damaged teeth. This single treatment makes it possible for millions of teeth to be saved on an annual basis, and once it is completed, eating and drinking become easy again.
We help patients feel comfortable during their root canal endodontic procedures with sedation dentistry. We have a variety of ways to eliminate discomfort and anxiety during a root canal. Whether you prefer to take a pill before your appointment to relax or medication to numb the specific area we will be working on, we provide painless dentistry.
In the past, a patient would need to have their tooth pulled if it became severely infected or the dental pulp became inflamed. With modern root canal therapy, that same tooth can be saved. Root canal therapy is a far better option than extraction because it keeps the natural tooth in place. Keeping your teeth is important for maintaining the shape of the face because, when teeth fall out, the muscles in the face can start to sag. While this is not particularly common with the loss of one tooth, it is something to be aware of when several teeth become infected and fall out. By treating and saving an infected tooth, we are preserving your facial structure.
Another benefit of root canal therapy is being able to eat like normal again, without restrictions. Once the infection is gone and the tooth is strengthened, it will look and function just like it used to. You’ll be able to bite down with normal force, chew, and maintain normal activities without pain or worry.
After root canal therapy, your restored tooth will look completely natural with a tooth-colored crown or filling to reinforce it. In fact, it will blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile, and no one will know you ever had a root canal. If you have had a root canal done in the past and finished with a metal crown or filling, we can replace it with a tooth-colored restoration for a more natural look.
Alternatively, if you do not have a root canal endodontic procedure, the infected tooth will likely need to be pulled to prevent the infection from spreading. Once the tooth is removed, it will need to be replaced with a denture, a dental bridge, or a dental implant — all viable solutions. Extracting and replacing a tooth requires time and a longer recovery compared to root canal therapy. It is faster, more cost effective, and better for your long-term oral health if we first try to save your tooth with a root canal endodontic procedure.
To learn more about root canal therapy, call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 614-2438 and schedule an appointment.